Professional investment management: Beyond fees

Financial markets shift and swing with daily developments – both the good and the bad. Volatility is expected and a normal part of the cycle.

Partnering with us helps keep your investment plan on track so you can feel confident about your financial future. Other financial service providers may offer do-it-yourself solutions with the promise that lower fees will put more money in your pocket, but working with a professional financial representative can add more value, especially when there is volatility and uncertainty.

Navigating uncertain markets through diversification

Navigating uncertain markets through diversification:

• They’re an effective way to save for your financial goals and provide potential for long-term growth.
• They’re managed by a team of experienced professionals and remove your need to make ongoing investment decisions.
• They’re an easy way to diversify your investments and match your risk tolerance, which helps you withstand market fluctuations.

With a diverse portfolio, you have access to several different asset classes, which lessens your risk if one segment suffers heavy losses. Portfolio managers have the expertise to adjust allocations as market conditions change.

Benefits of working with professionals

We are constantly filtering information – news, internet, social media, magazines, friends and billboards – all offer advice about financial issues, investments and products.

However, there is significant value in working with a financial professional who takes the time to understand your personal situation, such as:

• Greater accumulation through savings behaviours to build a more comfortable retirement
• Valuable guidance in selecting tax-efficient investment vehicles
• A long-term perspective
• Protection from poor financial decisions and emotional investment habits

One of our key strengths is that we take the time to look at your full financial picture and put the pieces together in way that is easily understood and best suited for you.

Studies show that households working with a financial representative accumulate almost four times as much wealth as those who choose to do it on their own

What you get for your money

A Management Expense Ratio (MER) is built directly into your investment fund and covers the cost of annual fund operation and management. MER amounts and related information can be found on the “Fund Facts” sheet for each specific investment fund.

Apart from covering commissions, taxes, fees and other expenses, the MER gives you access to the expertise of the professionals who create and manage the fund on your behalf, along with the ongoing fund research, analysis, and oversight

Key take-away: A professionally managed portfolio provides advantages in an uncertain economic environment.

No matter the news headlines or market conditions, a professionally managed portfolio comes with a major benefit: diversification. With a diverse portfolio, you have access to several different asset classes, geographies, and investment styles, which lessens your risk if one segment of the market suffers heavy losses. Portfolio managers have the expertise to adjust allocations as market conditions change. A Co-operators financial representative is always ready to help if you have questions or would like to review your plan.